Regarding the proposed lagoon project, let’s cut to the chase. I, for one, reject the premise that it is the linchpin for financial stability or better times.

While a select group of Councilmembers is pursuing their flight of fancy, Councilman Art Tolis implied at the April 17 Chamber meeting that the issue boils down to one of two choices: We either sign off on the lagoon proposal or we face the imposition of a property tax to fund the needs of the Town. To avoid such a tax, I believe other alternatives should be explored that would benefit the residents year-round without affecting our small town atmosphere.

It is abundantly clear that the Town needs revenue to maintain and improve its residents’ quality of life. I don’t want to incur more taxes, either; but times and circumstances have changed. If another, more suitable proposal cannot be found, a property tax may be the only way to preserve the character of the quiet, beautiful town we all fell in love with when we moved here. Any further taxes should require a recommitment by the current and any future Town Council to practice fiscal restraint and ensure that those funds are used appropriately.

Perhaps a stronger vetting process prior to spending town funds on feasibility studies would be in order. Fill in the blanks with your objections and/or concerns about either the lagoon or a property tax as you wish; they are far too numerous to be beaten to death on neighborhood forums.

The yet-to-be-released cost estimates will most likely doom the lagoon project. While the Council frets over spending its political capital we, the Town’s residents, will have the opportunity to vote on the bond referendum that will be necessary to fund it. I say, let’s vote!